Somerset West Attractions
The little town of Somerset West, prettily situated at the foot of the Heiderberg range, can be taken in on a round trip from Cape Town through the areas round Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl.
The town, founded in 1822, grew up round a Dutch Reformed church. It was named after Lord Charles Somerset, Governor of the Cape.
Somerset West is a town of trim villas with many parks and gardens. It preserves a number of old buildings, including the police station, the former parsonage and the church (1820).
The town, founded in 1822, grew up round a Dutch Reformed church. It was named after Lord Charles Somerset, Governor of the Cape.
Somerset West is a town of trim villas with many parks and gardens. It preserves a number of old buildings, including the police station, the former parsonage and the church (1820).
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Heiderberg Nature Reserve
Hiking trails through the Heiderberg Nature Reserve allow visitors a chance to see the many birds and species of protea for which the area is well known.
Sir Lowry's Pass, South Africa
(Near Somerset West)
From Somerset Wes, the N 2 runs southeast and climbs to Sir Lowry's Pass (452m/1,483ft), from which there are fine views of False Bay and the Cape Peninsula. From the pass the road continues to Grabouw (30km/19mi from Somerset West), which along with the neighboring town of Elgin is the market center of the largest fruit-growing area in South Africa.
Somerset West - Gordon's Bay, South Africa
(Near Somerset West)
Quiet Gordon's Bay, 8km/5mi southeast of Somerset west, is a little fishing town and holiday resort (pop. 3,500). The coast here, however, is rocky and more suited for fishing than for bathing. From Gordon's Bay there is a very attractive run along the coast road to Kleinmond.
Somerset West - Strand, South Africa
(Near Somerset West)
Strand, originally planned as a coastal suburb of Somerset West, soon outstripped the older town, and now has a population of 33,000. The beautiful sandy beaches on False Bay and the facilities for a variety of water sports have made this a popular holiday resort, conveniently situated for the people of Cape Town.
